FLORENCE, Italy -- Giuseppe Rossi will start training with his new club Fiorentina in 10 days after a year-and-a-half layoff caused by a knee injury.

Fiorentina medical director Paolo Manetti says that after two weeks of training with Fiorentina, Rossi will have a medical exam on April 4 to determine when he can start playing again.

Rossi has been recuperating at home in New Jersey after 16 months out and three operations since tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee while playing for Villarreal against Real Madrid in October 2011.

Manetti adds that Rossi has been following the rehab program set by Dr. Richard Steadman.

Rossi signed a 4½-year deal with Fiorentina in January after transferring from Villarreal. He was a regular starter for the Italian national team before his injury.